Women's team nets three big wins in first four matches, while men's side shows resilience against tough early competition.

The Providence Pilots soccer programs have opened their 2025 MCAC campaigns with plenty of action, excitement, and goals across their first two weekends of play.

The women's team got off to a flying start during their Centennial home opener weekend. On Saturday, the Pilots defeated USB Les Rouges 4-1 behind goals from first year Matea Maras, her first MCAC goal, Halle Owen, and two from first-year Pilot Hannah DeGueldre—also her first career MCAC goals. DeGueldre was notably the MCAC Player of the Game for the Pilots! The momentum carried into Sunday, where the Pilots put on a dominant 10-0 performance against Assiniboine College. DeGueldre, Owen, Serena Negrich (2), Laurianne Chiasson (2), Telah McVicker (2), and Hayley Medeiros all got on the scoresheet in the lopsided win. McVicker walked away with the MCAC Player of the Game recognition for her efforts agaisnt the Cougars. 

The following weekend brought a tougher test as the Pilots traveled to Brandon to face the reigning MCAC champions. After falling behind 0-2, Providence battled back with goals from Owen and DeGueldre, but ultimately came up short in a 2-4 loss.(No MCAC Player of the Game was awarded by Brandon University). The team quickly rebounded on Sunday with a commanding 7-0 victory over CMU. DeGueldre led the charge with a hat trick, while Maras scored twice, and Negrich and Emily Eskiw each added one. The women now turn their attention to a road matchup against USB this coming weekend. Negrich was recognized as the MCAC Player of the Game for her tireless effots of the pitch! 

      
On the men's side, the Pilots opened their season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against defending champions USB. Fifth-year veteran Rashard Hibbert provided the crucial equalizer to secure a point in the opener. Hibbert was awarded the MCAC Player of the Game as the lone goal scorer for the Pilots. Providence followed that up the next day with a 4-2 win over Assiniboine College, featuring goals from Hibbert, Gurkandeep Bhangu, and freshmen Nathan Schweng and Jacob Boyd. Jacob Boyd was recognized as the MCAC Player of the Game. 

The Pilots faced a difficult test on the road the following weekend against Brandon University. Despite a goal from Zach Harman, Providence fell 1-5 in front of a packed Bobcats home crowd. Harman received the MCAC Player of the Game nod for his effots! On Sunday, the men responded with a strong defensive showing against CMU, narrowly falling 0-1 in a tight contest. They will look to bounce back this Saturday as they face USB on the road. Daniel Dueck was a standout for the Pilots on defence, earning himself the MCAC Player of the Game award! 
       

With plenty of positive signs early in the season, both Pilots squads are eager to keep building momentum as they push toward their MCAC championship goals!
#Borntofly #Pilotssoccer